CMS has added an oral health incentive as part of its merit-based payment system, according to its 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
Three notes:
1. The merit-based incentive payment system adjusts Medicare reimbursements based on providers’ performance, rewarding them for improved quality and patient outcomes.
2. Under the final rule, which goes into effect Jan. 1, physicians can integrate oral healthcare as part of the payment system.
3. In order to qualify, physicians must complete training through the Smiles for Life online curriculum and take at least one step to integrate oral health into their practice, which can include creating a dental referral network, adding oral health questions to intake forms or performing intraoral screenings.
